Gifts for Kids Who Love to Travel

By Travel + Leisure and Travel + Leisure Staff
November 02, 2017
Courtesy of retailers

It’s always a good sign when our little ones develop a curiosity about traveling the world at a young age. And there’s no better way to fuel your mini-globetrotter’s interest in exploration than with thoughtful, travel-inspired gifts. From city-themed LEGOs to state-of-the-art hiking boots; model airplanes to kiddie-sized luggage, we’ve got the in on all the best gift ideas for your little traveler.

This year, Travel + Leisure is offering its most comprehensive gift guide ever. The goal? To make sure you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list. (Yes, even your mother-in-law.) Below, our picks for the discerning young traveler.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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LEGO Architecture London

Courtesy of Target

This awesome LEGO Architecture kit is modeled after real-life London, and features the National Gallery, the London Eye, and Big Ben.

To buy: target.com, $39

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Random House Maps

Courtesy of Amazon

It's easy for kids of all ages to get lost in these imaginative illustrated maps.

To buy: barneys.com, $35

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Cactus Light

Courtesy of Anthropologie

Whether it’s for a nursery or your kids’ room, this best-selling cactus lamp is colorful and fun, and might just inspire your next family road trip — hello, Southwest!

To buy: anthropologie.com, $110

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Giant Wright Flyer Model Kit

Courtesy of Amazon

Great for little engineering-inclined minds, this Wright Flyer model large-scale plane kit can fly up to 120 feet, so your kids can learn all about flying before their next big journey.

To buy: amazon.com, $40

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Atlas of Adventures

Courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions

Kids will be whisked away on a whimsical adventure around the world with this illustrated book of adventures. From exploring Carnival in Brazil to gazing down from the London Eye, kids will get a taste of what it’s like to travel the world through this explorative read.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $30.00

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Kapi Hat

Courtesy of Donsje

Travel from the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the fjords of Norway with your little one’s head warm and cozy the whole way while wrapped in this adorable fox hat.

To buy: donsje.com, $105

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Organic Cotton Hooded Cardigan

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Every tiny traveler needs a cozy sweater for the road. This garter-knit cardigan is made from soft, organic cotton to ensure maximum comfort for your baby’s journey.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $35

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How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

Courtesy of Dragonfly Books

When children open up this fun, illustrated book, they will travel across the globe picking out ingredients for the perfect apple pie. From Italy to England to Vermont, your little ones will be immersed in an exciting travel story that ends with a simple (and delicious) apple pie recipe.

To buy: amazon.com, $8

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'The 50 States'

Courtesy of Anthropologie

A colorful collection of creatively detailed maps, this gift is perfect for your little explorer who is keen on learning more about the 50 great states.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $30

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Vasque Kids’ Hiking Boots

Courtesy of Amazon

Get your little hikers geared up for the next trail season with these epic Vasque Breeze 2.0 waterproof hiking boots. Complete with breathable suede uppers, UltraDry waterproof technology, and contoured EVA footbeds and midsoles, your kids will look and feel sharp when they summit their first peak.

To buy: amazon.com, from $64

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Kids’ New Balance for Crewcuts 410 Velcro Sneaker

Courtesy of J.Crew

If you’re planning to do any city touring with your little ones, these colorful New Balance 410s are easy to get on and off and provide terrific support and comfort when traveling through airports, train stations, cities, or wherever her little feet might take her.

To buy: jcrew.com, $55

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Boys’ Yeti Beanie Hat

Courtesy of J.Crew

Nothing says “cool” like an abominable snowman beanie that doubles as a mask. Hint — roll it up, stick candy canes inside, and you’ve got a perfect stocking stuffer.

To buy: jcrew.com, $30

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Kids’ Road Atlas

Courtesy of Amazon

Buckle up and pull out this simple yet fun road map atlas next time your family gears up for a big road trip. The book includes maps, games, puzzles, and state facts about all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

To buy: amazon.com, $7

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B. Build-A-Ma-Jigs Take Apart Airplane

Courtesy of Target

This is a great gift for those little ones who love to take things apart and put them back together. With spinnable rudders and propeller, your mini-engineer will be on his or her way to learning all about those big birds in the sky.

To buy: target.com, $14

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Mackenzie Blue Multicolor Dino Hard-sided Spinner Luggage

Courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

Little explorers will look seriously stylish with these fun multicolored suitcases that feature sleek spinner wheels for quickly rolling from point A to point B.

To buy: potterybarnkids.com, $130

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A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee

Courtesy of Amazon

Yes, it may be time for a new bedtime read. Snuggle up and learn all about Mr. Magee and his trusty pup, Dee, as they embark on the camping adventure of a lifetime.  

To buy: amazon.com, $13

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S’well Water Bottle

Courtesy of J.Crew

Coming in two flashy colors, these mini-S’well bottles (which are all the rage) keep hot drinks hot for 12 hours and cold drinks cold for 24 hours — without condensation. Say goodbye to dehydration, kiddos.

To buy: jcrew.com, $25

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'Amelia Earhart (Little People, Big Dreams)'

Courtesy of Amazon

The creative “Little People, Big Dreams” series features inspiring stories from accomplished artists, scientists, and explorers across the globe. Here, your little traveler can learn all about the epic adventures of the strong-willed Amelia Earhart and her solo trip across the Atlantic.

To buy: amazon.com, $13

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I’m Outta Here Passport Holder

Courtesy of ban.do

Your little jetsetter will be ready to head to the airport in style with this pink, glittery passport holder. She can even complete the look with these adorable matching luggage tags.

To buy: saksfifthavenue.com, $24.00

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Canine Collective Pillow

Courtesy of Anthropologie

It doesn’t get much cuter than a Parisian puppy pillow. Crafted by illustrator Carolyn Gavin, who draws inspiration for her art from her travels, this irresistible cotton twill pillow has a personal touch.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $36

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The Hoodie Jumper

Courtesy of June&January

This hoodie jumper is the perfect layering piece for the tiniest of travelers. Its extra-cozy hood makes it suitable for a long plane ride, and it’s the ideal lightweight layer for a little globetrotter who is traveling between changing temperatures.

To buy: juneandjanuary.com, $35

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Pinhole Press Custom Memory Game

Courtesy of Pinhole Press

This learning game couldn’t be cuter. You can customize it with 12 of your favorite vacation photos for a mix and match memory game that also brings back memories of family fun around the world.

To buy: pinholepress.com, $30

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FurReal Roarin’ Tyler, the Playful Tiger

Courtesy of Amazon

It’s hard to go wrong with something soft. Summon images of the jungle with this furry friend who reacts to sound, and even comes with a squeaky toy of his own.

To buy: amazon.com, $130

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Barbie Camping Doll

Courtesy of Amazon

Who says Barbie doesn’t like the Great Outdoors? Complete with a camping stool and a campfire piece that makes fire-like lights and sounds, this Barbie can enjoy a hotdog and marshmallow in front of the (faux) flames.

To buy: amazon.com, $20

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Melissa & Doug Rug and Car Play Set

Courtesy of Amazon

This four-piece wooden car set is great for exploration. Your little ones will enjoy racing these cute cars around a multi-terrain scene rug.

To buy: amazon.com, $30

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Explore Bear Art Print

Courtesy of Gingiber

For the young explorer: a sweet and simple illustration reminding your child to never stop trying new things.

To buy: gingiber.com, from $24

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Portable Nap Mat, Pillow & Blanket

Courtesy of Amazon

Kids will be transported to an imaginary world with this neat portable napping set. Tuck them in with this mat, pillow, and blanket combo and they’ll drift off to dream of fighting pirates on the seven seas, flying planes through the sky, or exploring the jungle.

To buy: amazon.com, $50

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Animal Planet Kid’s Neck Support Pillow

Courtesy of Amazon

This friendly-looking pillow will give your child the support needed to snooze in style.

To buy: amazon.com, $9.99

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Baby Furry Friends Hoodie

Courtesy of Patagonia

Your child will love zipping up in this fleece hoodie, which has little animal ears on top.

To buy: patagonia.com, $55

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Playsam Wooden Rocket

Courtesy of Toys Toise

Let’s not forget about space travel! Any kid with an interest in what exists beyond our planet will love this wooden toy rocket.

To buy: amazon.com, $70

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Paris: A Book of Shapes

Courtesy of Grosset & Dunlap

Bonjour! Salut! Comment allez-vous? Explore Paris with your little Francophile with this inventive book of stylish illustrations that are all about the City of Lights.

To buy: amazon.com, $7

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100 Mint U.S. Stamp Collection

Courtesy of Amazon

This awesome collection of stamps from all over the U.S. is the perfect way to inspire your child to engage in a really cool hobby—plus the stamps are awesome to look at!

To buy: amazon.com, $11

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